Water Cycle Vocabulary

Front

What is the Water Cycle?

Back

The continuous cycle of water evaporating and condensing on Earth, occurring for millions of years.

Front

What is Precipitation?

Back

Water that falls to the ground in forms such as rain, snow, and hail.

Front

What is Water Vapor?

Back

Water in gas form.

Front

What is Condensation?

Back

The process of cooling water vapor back into a liquid.

Front

What is Runoff?

Back

Water that runs off the land back into a collection, such as rivers or lakes.

Front

What is Evaporation?

Back

The process of water turning from liquid to gas, usually due to heat.

Front

What is Transpiration?

Back

The process by which plants release water vapor into the air.

Front

What is Accumulation?

Back

The collection of water in bodies like rivers, lakes, and oceans.

Front

What role does the Sun play in the Water Cycle?

Back

The Sun provides the heat necessary for evaporation to occur.

Front

What is the difference between Evaporation and Condensation?

Back

Evaporation is the process of water turning into vapor, while condensation is the cooling of vapor back into liquid.